Nutritional Evaluation of Azolla pinnata and Azolla microphylla as Feed Supplements for Dairy Ruminants

Azolla is an aquatic plant that has the potential to be used as animal feed due to its high nutritive value and very productive plant. Thus, the objectives of this study are to determine and compare the nutrient and mineral composition of Azolla pinnata and Azolla microphylla. A. pinnata and A. microphylla are aquatic plants that have a high potential to be introduced as a new alternative feed supplement to ruminants. Samples were collected at Ladang Lembah Kaprima Hulu Seladang, Tenox Agribusiness (M) Sdn Bhd, Kampung Seladang, Setiu, Terengganu. The collected samples were dried and ground before the samples were analysed by using proximate analysis and microwave digestion for Induced Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). Six parameters were measured for the proximate analyses which were dry matter, ash, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre and nitrogen-free extract. The mineral compositions were analyzed for the contents of copper, zinc, iron, calcium and manganese using the ICP-OES. The result shows that A. microphylla contains the highest protein and ether extract content compared to A. pinnata. As in mineral composition, A. pinnata and A. microphylla showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two plants. This study revealed that A. microphylla is more suitable to be used as a supplement for dairy ruminants as it contains a more nutritive value in terms of higher crude protein and ether extract that are essential for the ruminant diet

Study on Chemical Composition of Napier Pak Chong (Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum) Harvested at Different Growth Stages

Napier Pak Chong is a new hybrid crossing Pennisetum purpureum and Pennisetum glaucum known as Pearl Millet Napier. The Napier Pak Chong grass has been introduced due to its high nutritional contents, particularly in terms of crude protein compared to other napier grass varieties. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine the chemical composition of the Napier Pak Chong harvested at three different growth ages which are 45 days, 60 days and 75 days and to identify the best harvesting ages of the Napier Pak Chong grass. The samples were collected at Kaprima Hulu Seladang Valley Farm. Then, the samples were dried and ground before being analyzed using proximate analysis and mineral analysis using Induced Couple Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). In the proximate analysis, the plant samples were analyzed to determine the percentage of moisture, ash, crude fibre (CF), crude protein (CP) and fat. For the mineral analysis, the samples were analyzed for magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and calcium. Results showed that the percentages of crude protein in the Napier Pak Chong grass decreased with increased harvesting ages meanwhile the crude fibre increased along with maturity. The percentage of crude protein is highest at 45 days which is 19.48%. The results also showed that the chemical compositions were highest at the early stage of harvesting, which is at 45 days. Thus, this study showed that the harvesting ages have an effect on the chemical composition of Napier Pak Chong grass

Chemical Composition of Taiwan Napier Grass at Different Growth Stages

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) has potential to be processed as a livestock fodder due to high growth rate and good nutritive value. The objective of this study is to determine and compare the chemical composition of Taiwan Napier grass at different growth stages. The different harvesting intervals of growth stages were 30 to 35 days and 40 to 45 days. The plant samples were collected at Agropolitan Farm Besut-Setiu, Terengganu and were analyzed using proximate analysis and dry ashing method. The chemical compositions were analyzed for ash, crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), Magnesium (Mg) and Potassium (K). The mineral compositions of Mg and K were measured using Induced Couple Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Results showed that the chemical compositions of Taiwan Napier grass at different growth stages had a significant effect on the percentage content of all components measured. The percentage of crude fiber increased as the age increased which is 28.88% and 30.04% in 30-35 days and 40-45 days, respectively. The percentage of chemical compositions of crude protein, ash, ether extract, Mg and K had decreased as the growth stage of Taiwan Napier grass increased. The percentage of crude protein, ash, ether extract, Mg and K were higher at 30-35 days, which are 14.42%, 10.57%, 3.00%, 0.064 ppm and 0.026 ppm, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that the growth stage at 30-35 days of Taiwan Napier grass is the best age for harvesting which is providing high nutritive value of the animal feed

Positioning Islamic social enterprise (ISE) / Nurul Aini Muhamed, Muhammad Iqmal Hisham Kamaruddin and Nur Syazwani Nasruddin

The Islamic Social Enterprise (ISE) is increasingly gaining attention due to its flexibility to perform trading activities for income generation while at the same time offering societal contributions. The roles of ISE is greatly viewed from value-based perspective, where the ISE’s objective is to support the Islamic third economic sector in easing the needs of those unfortunate and middle class citizens. Involving in trading activities is imperative for this institution given that collections from donations are insufficient as the demand for contribution is very high, as well as there is some cost acquired in its management. In this case, ISE’s sustainability should be taking care of to ensure the continuous contributions can be given to society. There are several perspectives on the definition of ISE since it is normally formatted in different forms, receiving initial and continuous source of collections from different Islamic charitable contracts and running different activities. Therefore, this paper attempts to position the definition and the context of ISE by deliberating its definitions and characteristics. Thus, the paper reviews the existing literature from the area of Islamic third economic sector and Islamic transaction law and inter-relating these aspects in the context of ISE. The focus is given on the aspect of the institution’s objectives, source of capital using the Islamic charitable contracts, its activities and; income generation and distribution. Based on the findings, the distinctive yet flexible definition of ISE expands the new and relevant area of Islamic third economic sector using Islamic charitable contracts. The discussion highlights that ISE should be guided by maqasid shariah, and follow the Islamic principles. This paper points out that not all Islamic charitable contracts are applicable for ISE, which should be comprehended for new established ISE

Study on Chemical Composition of Azolla filiculoides and Hydrilla verticillata

The main objectives of this study were to determine and measure the chemical composition as well as the mineral composition of Azolla filiculoides and Hydrilla verticillata. Both plants are an aquatic plant that has high potential to be introduced as a new alternative to ruminant animal feed. Samples were collected around Tembila area, Besut, Terengganu and were dried and ground before the plants were analyzed by using proximate analysis as well dry ashing method for Induced Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The proximate analysis was used to measure the dry matter (DM), ash, crude fibre (CF), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and Nitrogen-Free Extract (NFE). The minerals composition of Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe) and Calcium (Ca) were measured using ICP-OES. The result of this analysis shows that Azolla contains the highest protein and ether extract content compared to Hydrilla. As in mineral composition, Hydrilla and Azolla showed that it has significant differences (p < 0.05) in between the two plants. This study revealed that Azolla is more suitable to be used as a source of fodder mixture to ruminant as it contains a more nutritive value in terms of high crude protein and ether extract that are essential for ruminant diet. Keywords: Aquatic plants, proximate analysis, ICP-OES, ruminant die

Figs (Ficus Carica L.): cultivation method and production based in Malaysia

Ficus (Moraceae) is a tree or shrub natively originated from East Asia countries such as Middle East and Turkey. However, determination of the most suitable cultivation method in Malaysia has becoming one of the major concerns in figs industry. This is because figs can be easily found in cold and temperate regions compared to the equator regions. Therefore, this paper will discuss on the method of figs cultivation and its production based on the market demands in Malaysia. Simple propagation methods such as cutting, and layering are the most recommended method used for cultivating the fig trees. As for the production, figs are mainly processed as food such as jam, tea, dipping sauce, spaghetti sauce and dried processed food or available fresh. It is also used in traditional medicine as it is claimed to be good remedies in treating severe health problem such reducing blood sugar level and gastrointestinal problem

Evaluating the Potential of Tridax procumbens and Asystasia gangetica as Ruminant Feed

Tridax procumbens and Asystasia gangetica are extensively prevalent and can be found from tropical Asia to Africa. Both plant samples were found to have a high nutritional value, especially in protein, and to be highly attractive to ruminants. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to measure and compare the nutrient composition of Tridax procumbens and Asystasia gangetica in terms of the nutritional value for ruminants. Both plants samples were collected at Besut campus, University of Sultan Zainal Abidin. The samples were then washed under tap water to remove foreign matter such as soil to prevent soil contamination in the analysis. Then, the samples were dried in a furnace below 60 - 70˚C and crushed prior to further analysis using proximate analysis. Seven parameters were measured using proximate analysis, which included dry matter (DM), moisture, ash, crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), and nitrogen-free extract (NFE). The findings in this study show that A. gangetica had significantly higher (p < 0.05) in dry matter (DM) (18.84%), crude protein (CP) (22.27%), and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) (50.25%). However, T. procumbens showed the highest nutrient in moisture (88.70%), ash (12.15%), crude fibre (CF) (25.01%), and ether extract (EE) with 3.71%. Thus, this study revealed that A. gangetica to have a higher potential to be used as an animal feed than T. procumbens

Nutritional Assessment of Setaria sphacelata and Cleome gynandra as Potential for Ruminant Feed

Setaria sphacelata is a high and most prevalent tropical grass, while Cleome gynandra is a tropical annual herb which commonly used as vegetables in Africa and Asia. Both plant samples were found to be high in nutritive value especially in protein and very appetizing in ruminants. The main objectives of the study were to measure and compare the nutritional composition of Setaria sphacelata and Cleome gynandra as a function of their nutritional value for ruminants. The two plant samples were collected near the Tembila area, Besut Terengganu. The samples were dried in a furnace below 60 - 70 ˚C and crushed prior to further analysis using proximate analysis. Proximate analysis was used to measure values for moisture, dry matter (DM), ash, crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EF) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE). The result of this analysis shows that Cleome gynandra had much higher crude protein (CP) (p < 0.05) at 36.86% and ether extract (EF) at 5.50%. Crude protein (CP) is one of the most essential nutrients that ruminants need. Therefore, this study found that Cleome gynandra contains a higher nutritional value in terms of crude protein (CP) than Setaria sphacelate, which can be used as a feed for ruminants

Propagation methods, agronomic practices and fruit production of Durio zibethinus L. in Malaysia : A review

Durio zibethinus L. (Durian) is a popular tropical fruit widely cultivated in Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. It is renowned for its unique, intense aromatic fruits. Malaysia has been recognised as one of the world’s leading exporters of durian, particularly to China, owing to the cultivars that suit the taste of consumers both locally and abroad. This paper aims to provide information for future research in identification of cultivars, taxonomic identification, nutrient content and its utilisation from every plant parts. Local communities interests in durian plantation might benefit from this review as it highlighted useful recent agronomic practices and methods of propagation that help in assisting to improve yield of durian and market value. As the durian industry in Malaysia has acquired a great deal of interest in the local as well as international market, this review may also be beneficial to the entire community to obtain a more in-depth understanding of D. zibethinus

Comparative Study on Nutritive Value of Different Legumes Species (Leucaena leucocephala, Calopogononium muconoides and Stylosanthes guianensis)

Legumes are the plant that contains high protein content that has been used as supplementary for animal feed and has a great potential to increase the productivity of livestock. However, no much study has been measured on the nutritive value of legume species. Thus, the aims of this study were to measure the nutritive content in the leaves of three different legume species (Leucaena leucocephala, Calopogonium mucunoides and Stylosanthes guianensis) and to compare the species that contain high of nutritive value. The samples were collected in Tembila area, Besut, Terengganu, then were brought to the Plant Physiology laboratory at UniSZA Kampus Besut for sample preparation. The samples were washed under tap water for 30 seconds to prevent nutrient leaching, then were dried and ground before analyzed by proximate analysis and mineral analysis using Induces Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) machine. The parameters that were measured by using the proximate analysis consist of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ash, ether extract (EE) and Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE). For mineral analysis, the samples were analyzed for Calcium (Ca), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu) and Manganese (Mn). The results of this study showed that Leucaena leucocephala had significantly higher (p < 0.05) of CP and EE. While, Stylosanthes guianensis had significantly higher (p < 0.05) of the micro-elements which are Zn, Fe and Mn. Therefore, this study revealed that L. leucocephala contained the highest nutritive value of CP, EE and Calcium